Interdisciplinary Evolutionary Sciences - Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
 

Program Details

The focus of this REU is training in evolutionary science, with students working on research projects across several disciplines. Three academic departments at the University of Iowa - Biology, Anthropology, and Earth and Environmental Sciences - collaborate with the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History to offer research projects that span a range of topics, including evolution of behavior, origin of species, cancer evolution, evolution of sex, paleontology, and the evolution of disease. Study organisms span a large range of taxa, and include: crocodiles, flies, snails, fungi, viruses, bees, human cancer cells, beetles, and disease-causing bacteria and protozoa. Students work on one project, but through interactions with their cohort ultimately receive a broad exposure to evolutionary science. As part of the program, students: receive training in research best practices, participate in career workshops, create a digital exhibit based on their research for the University of Iowa Natural History Museum, and make formal research presentations based on their work. Housing, a meal allowance, stipend ($6,250), and a travel allowance are provided to all participants.

Click to Apply for Summer 2023!

Mentors and Project Areas (click on links to learn more about each mentor and their research programs)

Dr. Chris Brochu - Evolution and systematics of the Crocodylia

Dr. Albert Erives - Evolution of Development in the Beetle Antenna

Dr. Jan Fassler - Variation in sequence and functions of glutamine rich proteins

Dr. Anthony Fischer - Evolution of Staphylococcus aureus during chronic respiratory infections

Dr. Andrew Forbes - Evolution and diversity of parasitic insects

Dr. Bin He - Evolution of gene regulatory networks for stress response

 Dr. Douglas Houston - Evolution of development in amphibians and molluscs.

Dr. Drew Kitchen - Emergence and evolutionary rates in viruses

Dr. John Logsdon - Molecular evolution of sex and meiosis

Dr. Maurine Neiman - Evolution of sex in nature

Dr. Lara Noldner - Human Osteological Documentation and Research with the University of Iowa Stanford Collection

Dr. Christopher Stipp - Evolution of tumor heterogeneity

Dr. Mary Wilson - Determinants of disease severity due to infection with the Leishmania species protozoa

Eligibility

Participants should:

• be US citizens or permanent residents enrolled at US Universities.
• be majoring in a STEM field (especially Biology, Anthropology, or Geoscience with a Paleontology emphasis).
• be available to attend the entirety of the program (May 21 - July 29, 2023).
• have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
• have a background in science coursework. Coursework that connects directly to topics in evolution will be favored. 
• have a strong work ethic and motivation to learn
• have an interest in pursuing a career in scientific research.
• identify two or more potential research mentors from the list above.
• Students from underrepresented minority groups and/or who have limited research opportunities at their home institution are especially encouraged to apply.

REU Alumni

Click here to watch the 2019 REU Cohort's research videos

Click here to view the 2021 REU Cohort's digital posters

Click here to view the 2022 REU Cohort's digital posters

Apply here for Summer 2023!

Questions? Contact Andrew Forbes (andrew-forbes@uiowa.edu) or Maurine Neiman (maurine-neiman@uiowa.edu).

Funded by the National Science Foundation - Award Numbers 1757334 & 2149361